Senior Quality Engineer, New Product Engineering

We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

What we do:

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.​

We are seeking a driven and detail-focused Senior Quality Engineer, NPD to provide leadership in quality assurance, ensuring Watts consistently meets or exceeds customer requirements through compliance and continuous improvement. This position works closely with New Product Development teams to accelerate speed-to-market without compromising quality. Focus areas include new product introduction, customer quality, production quality, supplier quality, and the implementation of continuous improvement processes in the manufacturing of wholesale construction materials, hardware, plumbing and heating equipment and supplies.

This position reports to the Quality Manager. This role is onsite and is based in St. Pauls, NC.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Active participation in Stage Gate Process.
  • Ensure timely and complete execution of all quality actions.
  • Oversee the stage gate process for pragmatic adherence and gap closure.
  • Engage in supplier, distribution, and factory process development to ensure flawless product launch and conforming ongoing serial production.
• Leadership in customer quality issues.
  • Work with Customer Service, Production, Distribution and Suppliers to address field complaints.
  • Conduct root cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and follow up.
  • Manage customer issues ensuring professional communication.
  • Track, trend, and report on customer issues, providing global resolutions as needed.
  • Elevate customer interaction standards for quality related to mega projects.
• Liaison Across all Functions on key quality assurance Issues with regards to New Product Development.
  • Share best practices in production quality management, supplier quality management, regulatory and certification standards, and NPD processes.
  • Conduct Process Failure Mode and Effect Analyses (PFMEAs).
  • Utilize the RCCA tracking system to maintain a credible corrective action board.
  • Production Quality:
    • Maintain control of the MRB process and manage non-conforming materials across the site.
    • Understand customer issues rooted in the production process and put processes in place to eliminate those issues.
    • Implement robust error-proofing across the factory.
    • Implement proper layered product audits to ensure quality performance.
  • Supplier Quality:
    • Provide timely and detailed feedback to suppliers for improvement.
    • Collaborate with the corporate supplier quality team to identify opportunities and manage supplier improvement projects.
  • Quality Systems:
    • Support all audit activity as required (customer, agency, internal, etc.)
    • Maintain site certifications and audits.
  • Advance quality tools across the business, including RCCA, PPAP, gage R&R’s, SPC, process controls, and audits.
• Update and support the corporate quality operating system including:
  • MOR analysis and Reporting.
  • Data reporting and integrity.
  • Annual and strategic planning.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related business field is required.
• 7+ years of experience in applying and implementing total quality concepts within manufacturing environment.
• Experience in the new product development process.
• Prior experience with the implementation and use of statistical process control and advanced analytical techniques.
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering, Lean Six Sigma and quality principles, concepts, practices, and theories.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical packages.
• Ability to collaborate with customer and supplier representatives regarding all quality-related issues.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of auto-CAD or other design-related software, along with experience in basic Metrology and Calibration.
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• PMP certification.
• Prior experience leading quality initiatives across multiple functions.

General Applicable Company Competencies

• Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency. 
• Punctuality and dependability. 
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions. 
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts. 
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees. 
• Adherence to Watts’ seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.  

Working Conditions

While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. You will be required to work in the office at the St Pauls location Monday – Friday. Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.

Physical Requirements - Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, which may include, but is not limited to, safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

Nothing in this job description restricts Watts’ right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is “at will,” which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs
• Learn more about our benefit offerings here: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.